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2012 BMW 135I Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2012 BMW 135I with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (10) and the transmission & drivetrain (6). It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 66 and the 2013 has 15.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical 135I year, for its age

#173 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
19
Recalls
6
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 BMW 135I problems

Share of all 19 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 BMW 135I recalls 6

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

20V01700059,965 vehicles affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical system: wiring

19V57900041,981 vehicles affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
The risk
Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

Power train: constant velocity joint

17V0670008,752 vehicles affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
The risk
If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: inflator module

16V071000840,000 vehicles affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine

14V176000156,137 vehicles affected

The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
The risk
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical system

13V044000516,791 vehicles affected

The problem
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
The risk
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

What owners say

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19 complaints about the 2012 BMW 135I

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Engine & cooling

Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically asked if the car had any mechanical or cosmetic damage and [[redacted]] lied and said nothing was wrong. After signing all documents she started pretending to look for the title. She promised i would get it in a week...

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or so in the mail. The car had a ruined engine and radiator, missing front air intake ducts completely, who knows what else. They only paid 2700 bc it states stationary with mechanical damage from auction. I paid the $10,700 in cash they charged me. I'm sick to death just thinking about it. She will not repair, refund or anything like that. She finally today sent a pic of a title to the car and its got a man in Mobile, AL name on it. I don't think she ever even tried to get it and doubt she is now either. I have wasted more time and money on this, I feel robbed of over 10k. I have no car to start my new job the 24th. Please help me, [[redacted]] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11521626
SuspensionEngine & coolingFuel system

Vehicle stalls when accelerating from a stopped position. Several time, while stopped at an intersection with crossing traffic, I attempted to drive through the intersection but the car failed to accelerate. I tried shifting from auto to manual but the car still failed to accelerate for at least 5 seconds at which time it jolted forward. The issue started at around the 50k mile mark 3 years ago and continues still today (~90k miles). I am not seeing my vehicle listed under recalls related to loss of...

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electrical power/stalling from 2/7/2013 and have not had any recall notifications related to my car since 2017. I have been attempting to resolve a constant problem with cracking sounds from front suspension when turning. To date, I have had the entire front suspension rebuilt including; control arm assy, sway bar assy, bearing, struts, and u-joints. I am still experiencing this problem, especially during colder weather days. Now I am learning that there is a recall from 8/1/2020 related to my car model but my vin is not included. Nhtsa id number: 10179812 manufacturer communication number: b310112. Summary cracking noises from the frontaxle area while turning the wheels, when station: cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.G., Parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.

Filed Incident Suspension · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11402494
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw 135i. The contact stated that while their wife was driving at approximately 45 mph, the vehicle stalled while the power steering ceased with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact contacted a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was related to nhtsa campaign number: 13v044000 (electrical system) however, the vin was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. *Ln *tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11329311
Engine & cooling

When I had fewer than 50k miles, my thermostat broke suddenly while I was driving. I had no previous issues or warning lights. Since that repair, I have had 2 coolant leaks, and one related pipe crack. This week, I had air in my coolant system and had to have it drained. These all appear to be related.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11307058
Fuel system

Vehicle stalls when more than 1/8 throttle is applied, vehicle has difficulty starting. Check engine light comes on when applying small throttle inputs. The 4 previous years of this vehicle make and model, the high pressure fuel pump has had a known problem which resulted in a class action lawsuit that adjusted the warranty period for the four previous model years up to 120k miles. Bmw made slight changes to the engine for the next model years, but left the exact same part that resulted in the original lawsuit...

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settlement. That part is the point that failed on my vehicle. Should the warranty extension they agreed to in the settlement apply to all makes and models bmw made with the same defective part? This problem caused my wife to be stranded in the middle of the freeway and had to be towed out of the lanes of traffic.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11290149
Engine & coolingFuel system

Vehicle almost stalls when accelerating from a stop. Vehicle will also surge forward when vehicle comes to a stop. Both issues are worsened when the temperature is warm outside and the air conditioning is on. Have taken vehicle to the bmw dealer several times to correct, but they never find anything wrong.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11222668
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

******* Delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed*djr ******* delete voq *******

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11191706
Fuel system

I was stopped at a traffic light so when the light turned green for the left turn I turned onto the middle lane of a 6 lane highway and started to accelerate when suddenly there was a vibration and the suspension light came on so I slowed down and moved to the far right lane where I noticed I had no acceleration. I limped into a parking lot and the car seemed to be vibrating and running rough so I shut it down and walked home. After towing it to bmw of daytona I got the news that I blew a charge pipe. They said...

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the charge pipe is made of plastic and got brittle over time and blew off the throttle body. I found numerous remarks of others that had that problem when I googled it. Many of them stated they had it replaced with an aluminum charge pipe so I called bmw back and ask them what they were replacing it with plastic or aluminum. They stated that it was the same plastic part I had on the car in the first place. So I said great then we can expect it to happen again. Many comments online suggested this should be a recall item. One can imagine pulling out in front of a truck and suddenly loosing acceleration. The real kicker is bmw replacing it with a known faulty part.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11121857
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Vehicle exhibits an intermittent hesitation (like a stall) where there is an apparent total loss of power at low speeds (coasting) or from stopped. On several instances this has happened while in a left turn lane with oncoming traffic and creates a serious safety hazard. The vehicle more frequently, but not always surges in rmp without throttle input when coming to a stop. In many instances, the vehicle lurches forward and extra braking is required. This has resulted in near miss, rear end, assured clear...

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distance issues. These two problems occur during city/residential driving including at slow speeds through school zones (a major concern). I purchased this car used, but with low mileage and encountered these issues on the day of delivery. Dealer reprogrammed an engine control module according to a bmw safety bulletin which I found online. The drive home was noticeably improved, however the conditions returned shortly there after and persist to this day.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11110829
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Passenger seat occupancy sensor is having errors. Showing a passenger when none is present and also showing no passenger when there is one in the seat. This is a pretty major safety issue.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11099232
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

Reference: http://www.1Addicts.Com/forums/showthread.Php?T=1263580 bmw 135i dct transmission oil pan/gasket started leaking due to the constant hot temperature from the exhaust causing part to deform. Leak was not detectable until transmission fails, causing car to be stranded.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11083523
Airbags

Takata recall I received a letter from bmw usa dated september 2017 telling me that parts were available to satisfy this recall and to make an appointment right away to have the airbag replaced. I made an appointment and it was cancelled because the dealership "didn't have the parts and didn't know when they would get them". Bmw cannot tell me when they will have the part, despite sending me a letter stating that they "have the necessary parts to complete this recall".

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11045769
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 bmw 135i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) for the driver side frontal air bag inflator. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10954506
Airbags

Takata recall - received a recall notice last year, but part remains unavailable, placing me at risk, particularly in hot south florida.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10934183
Engine & coolingFuel system

I have brought my car into schomp bmw twice for this issue, the latest being last week telling them I believe there is a recall for my vehicle and it feels as if it will stall as I am turning a corner or stopped and begin accelerating. They showed no recall and hooked my car up to computer and no codes came back with any issues. I am really scared that my car will stall in the middle of turning in front of traffic. It has hesitated to where I have had to press the accelerator to the floor to get the car to move. ...

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I am afraid for my safety and for the safety of others. I received the official recall notice in the mail wednesday and called schomp and told them I want it repaired immediately if that is the issue. They told me they don't have parts and that I will receive another notice and that I have to wait. I am nervous that something will happen and someone will be injured. What can I do for now? *Js

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10598161
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Vehicle equipped with 7 speed dct transmission. When car had almost come to a stop there was sudden burst of engine speed (to about 2500 rpm) causing car to shoot forward. Accident avoided by jamming on the brake. This then happened several more times. Dealer re-programmed ecm and problem has not gone away. Occurs intermittently. Most recent episode in my own garage where barely avoided driving into front wall when it surged. Dealer again re-set software. Clear from dealers reaction that this is not isolated incident and clear that they don't have a real solution. This is basically a variant of unintended acceleration and an accident waiting to happen. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10594185
Transmission & drivetrainDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

When driving in traffic the bmw 135i dct transmission will stall when coming to a stop. This results in a loss of power steering. Sometimes before the car stalls, the engine will rev without driver input to 2500 rpm and drop the clutch which results in a rapid acceleration if your foot is not on the brake this can be extremely dangerous. I have almost crashed the car many times as a result of this. Bmw issued a technical service bulletin to dealers that can be found if you google the issue, but there is no known remedy. The car has been in and out of the dealer close to 10 times and they claim there is no issue. I believe the issue to be with software of the engine and transmission. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 10576352
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

From the time of ownership (march 16, 2012) to now, the vehicle shuts off during operation while in idle rpm speed. The vehicle is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Whether the clutch is fully pressed in and in-gear, or the vehicle is out-of-gear, there is a possibility for the idle rpms dropping and the engine shutting off. This mostly occurs while stopping for a red light, stopping for a stop sign, or in stop-and-go traffic on the highway. For example, the vehicle is approaching a stop sign at 25mph....

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The clutch is fully pressed in, the brakes are applied, and the gear shifter is changed from 3rd gear to 1st gear. While approaching a complete stop with the clutch still fully pressed in, the engine rpms will drop from normal idle speed (600-800rpm) to zero. Therefore the engine has shut off going 3-5mph, leaving the driver with no power steering and no power brakes. Sometimes this stall is violent; the vehicle shakes while rpms drop. Other times, the vehicle would stall without the driver even noticing. Also, this vehicle stalled twice while taking a turn at 15-20mph and the driver had to avoid an accident on both occasions because of this stalling issue. This critical safety problem occurred at a magnitude of once a month from march 2012 until july 2013. From july 2013 to september 2013, this stalling issue occurred three times a week. Then from september 2013 to now, the problem went back to once every month. This vehicle has been to the bmw dealership many times but because the problem is intermittent, the dealership could not replicate the issue; therefore applying no repair or solution to this critical problem. Bmw north america was contacted after the shop foreman explained that the vehicle cannot be fixed. Bmw north america did not help in any way, therefore lawyer-involvement is in effect to attempt in lemoning this dangerous vehicle. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10550616
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

Have taken the car five times for the same stalling,and lagging of the faulty dual clutch transmission. The car hesitates 3-5seconds no response to throttle input and then lunges violently forward. Car holds gear when pulling away from lights and then surges when parking the car almost causing me to hit cars parked next to me. Software has been updated on the car four times and the issue is still there. Was told that the mass airflow sensor was also faulty in the car and that might be causing the issue of surging...

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and fluctuating idle. Mass airflow sensor was replaced and transmission issues as well as idling issues are still present. Take the car in for squeaky brakes and was told that the sound was normal, week later car is shaking violently when slowing down on the highway. Upon inspection the front brake rotors are warped and all this has occurred on a brand new car with 12k miles and less then a year of ownership. Car is also plagued by electrical gremlins that keep firing off the tpms sensor warning lights that stay on after a reset and verification the tire pressure is as stipulated by manufacturer in the door jam. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 10496145

BMW 135I: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201315201AirbagsD
201219600Engine & coolingF
201166614AirbagsF
20100400-C
20090400-C
20080400-C
All 135I years

2012 BMW 135I vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 BMW 135I

Does the 2012 BMW 135I have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 BMW 135I: inflator module (January 2020); wiring (August 2019); constant velocity joint (February 2017); inflator module (February 2016) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 135I?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (10), transmission & drivetrain (6), fuel system (5).

How many complaints has the 2012 BMW 135I had?

19 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 2, 2013 and the latest on May 12, 2023. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 BMW 135I a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 135I year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which BMW 135I years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2012 BMW 135I has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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